Selsey Marine Centre

Taking its inspiration from the adjacent fishing huts and pitched roof construction of the surrounding area, the intention has been to create a sympathetic intervention that complements the neighbouring architecture in an exciting, yet polite, manner that avoids pastiche. The arrangement of the existing fisherman’s huts has evolved organically over time into an informal composition without hierarchy. This relaxed spirit is reflected in the massing and composition of the current scheme. The materials proposed for the cladding can all be found in use locally.

A number of the blocks are inspired by the architecture of the nearby fishermen’s quarters and life-boat station where most of the older buildings are built of stone or beach-cobbles. Others take their cue from the walls of stone and flint dating from the 17th century. Elsewhere it is proposed to use timber shingles, render and shiplap boarding. The structure/walls would be made of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS), pre-cut in a factory and erected on site. A building built with SIPs will give energy savings of 40% – 60% compared to a timber-frame building of equal size and Insulation U value.

Taking its inspiration from the adjacent fishing huts and pitched roof construction of the surrounding area, the intention has been to create a sympathetic intervention that complements the neighbouring architecture in an exciting, yet polite, manner that avoids pastiche. The arrangement of the existing fisherman’s huts has evolved organically over time into an informal composition without hierarchy. This relaxed spirit is reflected in the massing and composition of the current scheme. The materials proposed for the cladding can all be found in use locally.

A number of the blocks are inspired by the architecture of the nearby fishermen’s quarters and life-boat station where most of the older buildings are built of stone or beach-cobbles. Others take their cue from the walls of stone and flint dating from the 17th century. Elsewhere it is proposed to use timber shingles, render and shiplap boarding. The structure/walls would be made of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS), pre-cut in a factory and erected on site. A building built with SIPs will give energy savings of 40% – 60% compared to a timber-frame building of equal size and Insulation U value.